Road Test: Volvo C70 2.0 T 2dr

Knowing that there's normally no time to try different versions of the same car, the start point when we first test a model is often the top of the range. Lots of bells and whistles, (normally) stacks of performance and unless the car is a real duffer dynamically it'll get a reasonable review.

So in an attempt to revisit some of the models and try them out in a lower spec, an entry level C70 was booked for test. Having driven the completely mental T5 version, which has far too much power for our gatso-ridden roads, it would be interesting to see how the car fared with just a 2.0-litre light-pressure turbo unit under the bonnet.

Ignoring the oily bits for now, the C70 isn't a bad place to be, with refinement that's beyond many of its competitors. The car is far larger than it seems with swoops and curves disguising its bulk very well. The benefit of such generous proportions is plenty of space for rear seat passengers and a boot that you can actually fit things into - even if it is a bit too shallow.

Volvo's svelte coupe has been around for a while now, and it's a familiar sight on our roads, but it still looks classy and stylish. The profile strikes just the right balance between understated and flash while the 17-inch wheels lift the whole appearance - it's a shame there's so much clearance between the top of the tyre and the wheelarch. There's also virtually no chrome adornments on the C70 at all, yet it doesn't look bland despite the amount of bodywork.

Thankfully the interior is just as inviting as the exterior. The leather trim looks great and the token wood inserts are enough to lift the interior without making it look tarty. The C70's fascia is also much more attractive than the slabby dashes in the S60 and S80 - and not only does it look good but the instrumentation is clear and the ergonomics are excellent. The only fly in the ointment is the heating and ventilation set up, which is ugly. At least it all works well, with dials for passenger and driver temperatures.

As a driver's car it's not that great, as the gearchange is a bit baulky and there's not a lot of feel from the brakes, although they work well enough. The ride is compliant enough around town but on motorways it can be quite fidgety, especially in the inside lane (thanks to the ruts worn by all the trucks).

The disadvantage of such a large bodyshell is it needs something larger than a 2.0-litre engine to pull it along with any conviction. But then if you opt for the mental T5 version you'll have no shortage of convictions - enough to lose your licence. So by process of elimination the 2.4T is the best option, as it offers enough power to cope with the C70's generous proportions without gulping fuel at a wallet-busting rate.

Richard Dredge